The BFI has now confirmed the date for the Blu-ray and DVD releases of Abel Gance’s epic silent film Napoleon (1927), newly digitally restored by Photoplay Productions and the BFI National Archive, as 21st November 2016.

The film will have its premiere screening, with a live performance by the Philharmonia Orchestra of Carl Davis’ score (the longest ever composed for a silent film), on 6th November at the Royal Festival Hall. It will be released in cinemas by the BFI from 11th November.

Abel Gance’s heroic depiction of the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte has long been hailed as a landmark in cinema history. Reconstructed after decades of painstaking work by film historian Kevin Brownlow, the film has developed a legendary status. Featuring ground-breaking technical innovations – including its famous triptych finale – and an epic running time of 5½ hours, the film’s exclusive availability on 35mm has limited it to a rare number of (highly popular) screenings.

This definitive restoration (with music recorded in 7.1) presents Gance’s masterpiece in all its glory and is a must-see on either the big screen or small screen this autumn.

Full details of the Blu-ray and DVD will be posted nearer to the release date. For now here is a short clip from the film: